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About this trip
Our popular Dolomites Runcation is now available in a self-guided format. Take the high route this summer in the incredible Italian Dolomites in the northeastern corner of Italy. The Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, have been described by the explorer Reinhold Messner as “the most beautiful mountains in the world.” On this hut-to-hut runcation, or trail running/hiking adventure, you'll crest the impressionable rock spires, mountain passes, and descend through alpine meadows along the famous Alta Via 1 along some of the most beautiful trails in the world. Along the way, you'll take respite from the trail in scenic and comfortable staffed mountain lodges, or rifugios, which offer warm lodges, scenic vistas, and four-course Italian dinners as well as a full bar and beverage list. On this self-guided trail running tour, your hut-to-hut adventure ensures that you'll waking up and falling asleep to spectacular mountain sunrises and sunsets by sleeping up high at the foot of these impressive mountains.
This retreat adventure is open to ages 15 and up of any pace. Must be able to complete 8-15 miles/day of hiking/running at altitude, including 1,800-6,000 feet of elevation gain/loss per day. Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime!
What’s included
All accommodations and bookings for 6 days and 5 nights on the trail
Trip logistics of route planning, rifugio lodging, and baggage transportation reservations
Curated rifugios with Italian delicacies and even a sauna!
Baggage transport from hut-to-hut on your days on the Alta Via 1 (AV1)
A detailed trip packet with packing lists, mountain resources, and map gpx file maps
Half board (breakfasts and dinners) included at mountain huts and breakfasts at hotels
Communal accommodation in dorms at mountain huts/rifugios
Detailed information on how to catch public transport from Venice, Italy airport to the start of the route and how to return to Venice, Italy by public transport at the end
Not included
International airfare
Alcoholic beverages and lunch/snacks during the day
Travel Insurance
Transport to the start/end of the route
Lodging before/after the trip
24-hr assistance on the trail (see our guided Dolomites trail running tours for this)!
Before You Go
Passport:
Must have a valid passport valid through 6 months upon date of travel.
Travel Insurance:
Must have travel insurance prior to start of trip.
Room info at the Rifugios:
Summer is high season in the Dolomites and limited space in the rifugios is first come, first served. If you are inclined to participate, book this self-guided trips ASAP as rooms will book up in advance by other vacationers and dates will become sold out.
Fitness/Pacing:
While there are guides to accommodate every pace of attending runner, this trip requires participants to be able to run/hike for 7-15 miles on trails at a time in mountainous/high altitude climates with an elevation gain/loss of 1,800-6,000 feet per day. Training for this trip is essential in order to be able to complete and enjoy the trip. Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime!
Weather:
Although the weather in late summer is often ideal, weather in the mountains is variable and trail conditions are subject to change on an hourly basis! Route subjective to change based on the safety of conditions and climate of the trail.
Where the Trip Starts and Ends:
The closest international airport to the trip is Venice, Italy. Your first day on the trail starts at Lago di Braies and your last day on the trail ends in Agordo, Italy. You can access both the start and end to/from Venice by public transportation or hiring private transfers.
Trip Difficulty: Level 3
https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me
Mountain Hut Experience:
This trip includes staying in mountain huts/rifugios. To learn more about the mountain hut experience, click below:
https://runcation.org/mountain-hut-experience
Available Packages
Pricing based on at least 2 people. Solo travelers must add single supplement option add-on.
Select this option if you would like to create a custom self-guided Dolomites Itinerary
Traveling as a party of one? No problem! Sign up for the single supplement here.
Available options
Itinerary
We recommend arriving to the start of the trip from the Venice Airport and transferring to the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo via a shared shuttle for the evening. From Cortina d'Ampezzo, you'll be able to take two short public buses to the start of your adventure the following morning!